Government Spokesperson Isaac Mwaura has said there will be no Saba Saba Day protests on Tuesday, July 7, 2026, urging Kenyans to report to work and continue with their normal activities.

In a statement posted on his official X account on Monday, July 6, 2026, Mwaura described the day as a normal working day and called on citizens to focus on nation-building.

“There are no Saba Saba maandamano tomorrow. It’s a working day. Tujenge Kenya pamoja.”

Mwaura issued the statement as the country prepares to mark the annual Saba Saba Day commemoration.

Security heightened

His remarks come as the National Police Service (NPS) announced enhanced security measures across Nairobi ahead of the commemorations.

In a statement issued on Monday, July 7, 2026, the service said additional police checkpoints would be mounted on various roads within the city to regulate human and vehicular movement.

The NPS said the decision was informed by previous Saba Saba commemorations during which demonstrations disrupted public order and normal business operations.

“The National Police Service wishes to inform all members of the public that, in light of past experience during the Sabasaba commemoration, which is usually observed on 7 July, some members of the public have caused breaches of the peace, thereby interfering with the normal conduct of business for those not participating in the demonstrations,” the statement read.

The police urged members of the public to cooperate with officers during the security operation.

“As a security measure, there will be enhanced police checkpoints on various roads within Nairobi city tomorrow, 7 July 2026, to control both human and vehicular movement.” The service also warned that “Any unlawful acts shall be met with the full force of the law.”

Planned demonstrations

Even as the government called for a normal working day, the Social Justice Centres Working Group and other civil society organisations have maintained plans to hold demonstrations under the theme “March for Our Lives.”

The organisers have asked participants to gather from 7.00 am in Nairobi and other towns.

According to the organisers, the march is intended to highlight enforced disappearances, abductions, police brutality, extrajudicial killings and the use of force during demonstrations.

The groups have also called for stronger police oversight and respect for constitutional rights, including the right to peaceful assembly under Article 37 of the Constitution.

Campaign materials circulated ahead of the demonstrations carry messages including: “Our democracy is not complete while our people are disappearing,” and “No more silence. No more fear. No more impunity.”

The organisers have appealed to the police to provide security and manage traffic, saying the procession and delivery of their petition will be peaceful.

Saba Saba anniversary

Saba Saba commemorates the pro-democracy protests of July 7, 1990, that contributed to Kenya’s transition to multiparty democracy.

Ahead of this year’s anniversary, Central Organisation of Trade Unions (COTU) Secretary General Francis Atwoli also appealed for calm, urging Kenyans to pursue change through the ballot instead of street protests.

Speaking in Siaya on 5 July, Atwoli called on residents of Western Kenya to keep off the demonstrations, saying peaceful democratic processes offer the best path to resolving political differences.

Security agencies are expected to maintain an increased presence in Nairobi and other parts of the country during the Saba Saba commemorations on Tuesday.